MARION, Ind. - No. 5 Indiana Wesleyan football continued its winning ways in the 44-0 victory over the University of Saint Francis Saturday afternoon for Homecoming. The Wildcats picked up their first shutout since a 35-0 victory over Lawrence Tech on Oct. 16, 2021. This marks just the second time Saint Francis as been held to zero points in the last 5 years.

 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a quick interception and ensuing scoring drive, the Wildcats continued their tremendous offensive production throughout the game.
• IWU forced turnovers while the offense seemed to score at will. The team clicked on all cylinders in the shutout victory.

FIRST QUARTER

• IWU started its second drive after Justin Johnson intercepted a pass in the endzone at the 10:16 mark. On second-and-10, Xander Stokes found Jacquez Carter for 61 yards down to the one-yard line. On the ensuing play, Daniel Weems found paydirt for a 6-0 lead. Ethan Collins tacked on the extra point for the seven-point edge.
• Devin Bacchus forced a fumble and promptly jumped on it, giving the Wildcats back the ball. IWU managed to get to the six-yard line. On third-and-one, IWU was stopped for al oss, forcing a 25-yard field goal from Collins for the 10-0 lead with nine seconds to play in the quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

• After a 15-yard run by Dederrian Williams put the ball at the 15, Williams rushed to the 11-yard line, setting up Stokes, who connected with Weems for the 11-yard strike at the 10:23 mark. With the kick, IWU led 17-0.
• The Wildcats forced a punt and started their next drive at the 8:23 mark. IWU was methodical moving down the field. The changing point of the drive came on a roughing the kicker penalty, which extended the drive.
• Markell Stephens-Peppers extended the advantage when he hauled in a 15-yard pass from Stokes for a 24-0 lead at the break.

THIRD QUARTER

• Stokes hit Xavier Gordon for a 14-yard pass on first-and-10 from the 24. Weems rushed for nine yards and two plays later, Stokes hit Carter for the one-yard score.
• With just over 1:00 to play in the quarter, Donovan Shelton stepped in front of the pass and returned it 40 yards for the touchdown. 

FOURTH QUARTER

• IWU forced a punt early in the fourth. Williams had back-to-back rushes covering 52 yards. After a time-out, Stokes hit Carter for a 10-yard score. The Collins kick completed the scoring.
• The defense continued playing well, preserving the shutout.

TURNING POINT

• IWU's interception at the 10:16 mark and score moments later really sent an early message to the visitors. The defense continued to impress while the offense clicked on all cylinders in the win.

WHAT THE WIN MEANS

• One of the hottest teams in the country will take its six-game winning streak on the road to Siena Heights (4-3).

KEY STATISTICS

• Xander Stokes completed 20-of-27 for 224 yards and four touchdowns. He had a long of 61 yards to Carter, who hauled in eight catches for 117 yards and a pair of scores. Stephens-Peppers and Weems each had touchdown catches in the win.
• Williams rushed for 91 yards on 12 attempts to lead the attack. Weems galloped for 43 yards and a score on 13 attempts.
• Johnson had eight total tackles to lead the defense. Clayton Mosher, Bacchus and Luke Bays had seven tackles apiece.
• Collins registered a punt of 56 yards en route to his 32.2 yard average.
• IWU racked up 20 first downs on the day. The squad compiled 120 yards on the ground on 31 rushes. The Wildcats tossed for 224 yards.
• IWU outgained the visitors 344 yards to 153. The Wildcats tallied three interceptions and recovered a fumble on the afternoon.

LANGS PERSPECTIVE

• "Today was an incredible game by all three phases of our team," said Jordan Langs, Head Football Coach. "I thought we did an effective job of keeping St. Francis on their side of the field for most of the game and all three phases benefited from it. We are so thankful for a great homecoming crowd and proud of our guys for a great win against a great program!"

NEXT UP

• IWU returns to action Saturday, Oct. 29 at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. Kick-off is slated for 12:00 p.m.
• Links for video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com.

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